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BeyondBlue Hello! Read this if you're not sure how to get started
  • replies: 0

Welcome This section of the Beyond Blue Forums is for talking about our experiences with depression. There are lots of chats about how it makes us feel, what it’s like to live with depression and what has worked to help in these times. Thank you for ... View more

Welcome This section of the Beyond Blue Forums is for talking about our experiences with depression. There are lots of chats about how it makes us feel, what it’s like to live with depression and what has worked to help in these times. Thank you for coming this far, we know it can be really hard to take these steps if depression is in your life - we see you and think this is a great step. To get the most out of this space we have a few tips: Get involved. The Forums work best for you when you get active and post where you can. Now, we know that can be really hard, especially when you are experiencing depression. So, if you can post something supportive to someone else here, that would be an incredible start. Speak from the heart. This community wants to know how YOU feel and what has worked for YOU. We trust that you have something unique to say and we can’t wait to hear it. Check in. Lots of the discussions in this section of the Forums have been going for years and they are some of the richest conversations we have. Keep checking in to get new ideas and offer your support. We know it can be tough to start, but when you are ready we want to hear your thoughts. If you need some time to get to know the community, that's okay! Have a look around and see where you want to get involved. Thank you for being here! Beyond Blue

Jeriava How do I talk to my doctor?
  • replies: 9

I’ve been struggling with my life for the past 7-8 years but I finally made an appointment with a doctor. I feel really scared though because I don’t ever go to the doctor for anything, and I havent seen this doctor for so many years that I’m really ... View more

I’ve been struggling with my life for the past 7-8 years but I finally made an appointment with a doctor. I feel really scared though because I don’t ever go to the doctor for anything, and I havent seen this doctor for so many years that I’m really scared that they’ll judge me or won’t believe anything I say. I’m really anti social so I feel like I won’t be able to say what I wanna say or I’ll say the wrong thing causing them to just dismiss me and move me along without helping. I’m just tired of feeling alone, depressed and just worthless but I’m really scared to talk to them.

AGrace SELF HELP TIPS FOR MANAGING DEPRESSION
  • replies: 132

Hi Everyone, Here are some ideas you might like to try for managing symptoms of depression. Of course everyone's different, so let us know what works for you, and please feel free to add to the list... Mindfulness – through breathing or engaging the ... View more

Hi Everyone, Here are some ideas you might like to try for managing symptoms of depression. Of course everyone's different, so let us know what works for you, and please feel free to add to the list... Mindfulness – through breathing or engaging the 5 senses Distress Tolerance – Accepting Emotions and Self Soothing Distraction – Put the thoughts/feelings aside and come back to them when you are ready to deal with them Positive Affirmations – Have some affirmations written down repeat them to yourself daily Sleep/Exercise/Diet – All 3 aspects of our lifestyle can impact the way we think/feel Increasing Pleasurable Activities – Engage in at least one pleasurable activity per day

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Jman01 Depressed Male
  • replies: 3

So where do I start... I am a 42 year old male and I had been on medication for a number of years and recently my gp referred me to a psychiatrist, as my moods were still up and down and my temper short.. The psychiatrist during the first session dec... View more

So where do I start... I am a 42 year old male and I had been on medication for a number of years and recently my gp referred me to a psychiatrist, as my moods were still up and down and my temper short.. The psychiatrist during the first session decided that I didn't need medication and believed the short tempers and anger were a result of me being on a medication I didn't require... I had been on this medication for the past 10 years and I had obviously forgotten what it was like to not take anything.. I went through the tapering of the medication and then through weeks of withdrawal symptoms I could barely function. Once the side effects subsidered I initially felt ok but a few weeks of not being on anything I developed a huge knot feeling in my stomach from the time I woke up to the time I went to bed, it was their if I woke up at night even. My moods flattered and and I break down in tears often.. I am trying to exercise more, read positive quotes, spend time with my family but I am trying to think more positive but it usually gets shot down pretty quickly usually by me. I haven't notice a results and can't find enjoyment out of anything or look forward to anything. I had my first session with a psychologist last week tho this first session I don't walk away with anything and now it's another 2 wweeks before I can go again.. At the same time I'm worried and thinking is this the right person for me am I going to get anything out of it? Or am I wasting my time and in 1 month I'm no closer to getting out and then have to start all over again.. I'm very lost as I don't know if I should find a different psychiatrist and talk to them while I see a psychologist... Go back on medication, tho certainly not my first choice after what I went through getting off it. Anyhow if someone has some magical advice it would be appreciated..

Jade_smith Alcohol Binge Drinking depression
  • replies: 1

I got kicked out of an event on the weekend and I got very mad. I was also very drunk. I do binge drink excessively but I have never experience anything like this. I started making up stuff to the police officers and told them bad depressing stuff th... View more

I got kicked out of an event on the weekend and I got very mad. I was also very drunk. I do binge drink excessively but I have never experience anything like this. I started making up stuff to the police officers and told them bad depressing stuff then walked around extremely upset and angry. I don’t think I can say it on here. How does binge drinking affect you guys? There has to be some underlying issues I need to work on. Sunday morning is also extremely stressful for me. Feeling bad and anxious as the alcohol works it’s way out my system. Has anyone gone through anything similiar?

Mind2Full Dark Horse - a movie worth watching
  • replies: 1

"You should watch something lighter next time" said my better half after seeing my face at the end of watching DARK HORSE. I've been struggling with the blues and compulsive thoughts. The hero of dark horse touched a nerve. To fight for those close t... View more

"You should watch something lighter next time" said my better half after seeing my face at the end of watching DARK HORSE. I've been struggling with the blues and compulsive thoughts. The hero of dark horse touched a nerve. To fight for those close to you beats beats any personal goal. I would watch it again : ) Its on sbs on demand. check it out.

Isaac98 How to somehow function when I hate everything about Australian culture due to social alienation and not wanting to bow down at all?
  • replies: 1

Admittedly, there's so much for me to hate here and its even worse when I can't leave for a long time due to being so dependent on my parents.. I'm 22, but I'm not very functional and I very rarely work since I'm in a job with my step-dad who I don't... View more

Admittedly, there's so much for me to hate here and its even worse when I can't leave for a long time due to being so dependent on my parents.. I'm 22, but I'm not very functional and I very rarely work since I'm in a job with my step-dad who I don't get along with well at times (same with my mum). I'm also somewhat autistic ("highly" functioning) and that anxiety and depression (non-suicidal) affect me, but my main issue is that I want almost nothing to do with nearly anything Australian due to how much I hate this place and most of them for complying with a subjectively bad system. But yeah, what I hate about this country and its culture is its authoritarianism (gun laws; coronavirus regulation, beaucracies everywhere, signs warning fines punishment everywhere, so many victimless crimes etc), being treated like convicts, anti-intellectualism, tall-poppy syndrome, entitlement, and almost all Australians happily complying to their masters regardless.. Here's an example for authoritarianism, a Tasmanian was seriously arrested for camping out in the middle of nowhere for one night during national Coronavirus lockdowns.. This is how bossy our society is, that would not happen in libertarian parts of America I want to go to. Being treated like convicts, minorities including myself not being able to have any say in politics due to it being democratic (only cares about majorities) and that our police don't care for oppressed minorities such as gun owners; male domestic violence victims, drug users etc. They only care about helping the state strip their rights due to being legal. Anti-intellectualism, most of us think we should "just comply" with coronavirus regulations regardless of others' situations and that most Australians are so fearful of less gun control with SO MUCH arrogance. Tall-Poppy syndrome, being so arrogant about America everytime they talk about that country despite not knowing much about it and thinking we're the best country when we have so many flaws. Entitlement, most of us forcing others to be like us to have a "right" to safety. Compliance, a word you cannot disagree with without harsh criticism from our culture. If something's illegal, our society automatically thinks its taboo.. Even women wanting to defend themselves with tasers. However.. I don't know how to change my bitterness with Australia when my real self is taboo and that I don't feel very cared for by the system, I can't even find a single friend aside from a neighbour.

Jonahs123 Relapse of depression and anxiety
  • replies: 1

Hello, i recently finally had the courage to speak to my GP and my family about my mental health. I’m now 6 months into medication and receiving occasional CBT. I think over the last month has been the best time I’ve had in my life. The stress of HSC... View more

Hello, i recently finally had the courage to speak to my GP and my family about my mental health. I’m now 6 months into medication and receiving occasional CBT. I think over the last month has been the best time I’ve had in my life. The stress of HSC is still existent, but the medications really have alleviated the low moods. I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety and depression. My question is: How likely is it that I will experience a relapse of both diagnosis's? Are they really lifelong illnesses I have to acustom to, or will it one day be gone? cheers, jonah

Ladoo I don't know what's wrong with me
  • replies: 17

Hi everyone..I'm a 45 year old male and I'm just not coping at all. I even find it hard to write here. I just don't know which way or where to turn to..I'm lost. Just existing. Holding on to hope.

Hi everyone..I'm a 45 year old male and I'm just not coping at all. I even find it hard to write here. I just don't know which way or where to turn to..I'm lost. Just existing. Holding on to hope.

DannyG Don’t know what to do next - lifeline call
  • replies: 13

Hi everyone i’d appreciate any advice on what to do. I have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I was having panic attacks at work and was prescribed sedatives to help manage these. My GP has since stopped these as he says I can’t take them l... View more

Hi everyone i’d appreciate any advice on what to do. I have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I was having panic attacks at work and was prescribed sedatives to help manage these. My GP has since stopped these as he says I can’t take them long term. So now my panic attacks are back. I’m afraid that I will be fired if I can’t stop them, but without the medication I can’t control the panic. I phoned life line crisis support today and I did not find them helpful. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can do? Thank you.

guest_011 First time posting
  • replies: 4

Hi, my name is Nicole, ive been suffering from depression and anxiety after experiencing a family breakdown, im a sinlge parent & my child has recently been diagnosed with Autism. His Father is no longer present in his life so ive had to deal with th... View more

Hi, my name is Nicole, ive been suffering from depression and anxiety after experiencing a family breakdown, im a sinlge parent & my child has recently been diagnosed with Autism. His Father is no longer present in his life so ive had to deal with the entire process myself, which has been quite daunting. i'm at an all time low, waiting to engage in counselling, so i thought id give it a go posting in hopes of easing my burdens & gaining some sort of peace to have a good nights rest.

chiko123 Extreme loneliness, with no one to turn to
  • replies: 6

Hello all, For the past few years I have been in a long distance relationship (>16000km). For the first couple years I was managing life well, balancing talking over the phone and studying. However, in particular, the last year I have felt so numb, t... View more

Hello all, For the past few years I have been in a long distance relationship (>16000km). For the first couple years I was managing life well, balancing talking over the phone and studying. However, in particular, the last year I have felt so numb, to the point where I don't care what would happen to me. I felt like I had no reason to be happy, because I only felt truly happy when I was with my boyfriend. Then in between I just studied and was content with my loneliness. Slowly putting on a face more and more. As of today the last time I saw my boyfriend was over 9 months ago, and although we still have strong feelings I can feel my detachment growing. In addition, throughout the year from March, given the COVID situation I have been attending uni online. At the beginning, when there was the national lockdown, there was a period I didn't leave my house for 3 months. I gradually began to loose my uni friends. Something I have especially noticed in the last couple of months, because although restrictions have lifted, I don't seem to get invited to parties anymore, or when I message my then-friends, one won't respond for hours, and the other never responds. I feel like I have lost all of my uni friends. When I realised I was loosing my friends, I decided to join a club. The club was my saving grace. I met new people and had great fun. However, now activities won't resume for another three weeks and I don't know how I can cope. To make things harder, I met another guy there, which makes my situation much harder. Now I find myself torn about whether long distance is such a good idea after all. So on top of my loneliness and sadness, I find myself facing a life-changing decision. I know deep down that I'm so lonely, to the point of desperation. I need to experience joy and life with people around me. I feel like I need to feel energy and life again. I miss happiness. I need a hug, I need someone who I can talk to. I need a friend, I need to be touched and I need to be loved.

Law007 Keep on making the same mistakes over and over and over again..........
  • replies: 2

Hi all, I posted on here few years ago, life really does go Full circle. Last time I was fresh out of prison in rehab for Ice, was going great guns got clean and began to chase a Career surveying. Nearly finished my cert 4 but stress Of heavy court c... View more

Hi all, I posted on here few years ago, life really does go Full circle. Last time I was fresh out of prison in rehab for Ice, was going great guns got clean and began to chase a Career surveying. Nearly finished my cert 4 but stress Of heavy court case and rehab stress, I pulled out 2 weeks Before finishing a whole year of hard work. I relapsed And started shooting up. I finished rehab and court and eventually Got clean on my own. I haven't worked in 8 months not due To covid. I got made reduntent relocated to another state and was living In my car, my car blew up no insurance and had to go back Home. On way home I had a breakdown and smashed a Train up eventually got charged but I'm finished with Court now. 3 months ago I was passenger in serious car crash (Lucky) to be alive. I relapsed after the crash and got Convicted for refuse roadside drug test. I've just lost my Licence for another 2 years, and I just can't let it go I've been here before over and over, but I just can't let it Go, the strange thing is I was homeless past 6 months Got a nice place to rent as an independent adult for the first Time then I chose to drug drive and stuff it all up. My mind is Racing so much ive been clean at least 2 months, but I'm starting to feel too much, I can feel my life's stuffups In my soul. I just feel like I'm too far gone mentally, just watching myself and looking at photos of me in The good days I don't recognise myself. My own voice Just keeps laughing at me and keeps saying HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU KEEP STUFFING UP AND NOT MAKE ADJUSTMENTS? I don't know when the message will Sink in. Honest, Ive been having a premonition something Bad is going to happen, everything has gotten real dark Since the car accident and I don't have any friends at All, no family, but then I remembered you guys, I Love you guys god bless you and the work you d He who truly believes shall have the gift of eternal life Pray for me I really need it, sending out my prayers And love to all struggling love

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